How To Be A Nurse Of Excellence

Transcription

1 2012 Nurse of Excellence Award Reception May 23, 2012 Woodbury Country Club Woodburry, New York

2 A Message From The Council President May 23, 2012 Woodbury Country Club Woodburry, New York T he New York State Legislature in 1989 created a Nurse of Distinction Program. The program, coordinated at the time by Senator Tarky Lombardi, Jr., recognized individual excellence in the nursing profession. Hundreds of nurses were nominated from across the state, eight regional designees were selected by peer review, and one nurse from that group was awarded. The program was highly regarded by those within the health care industry and continued until Since then, it has been the honor of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council to continue this tradition on a regional level through our annual Nurse of Excellence program. The Hospital Council opted to maintain this recognition program because the registered nurse is truly the core of any hospital. Each member hospital and nursing school selects a nominee based on specific selection criteria. The nomination in and of itself is an honor. Then a Council peer review committee selects the best of the best. More important than those individuals named and honored is the celebration of the entire nursing profession that pervades this program. We are proud of the nominees and congratulate this year s top nurse. We are just as proud of all of the nurses who care for thousands of Long Islanders, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. On behalf of our board of directors, the council staff and the leadership staff at all of our hospitals, we express our sincere appreciation to all nurses and salute their commitment to compassionate quality patient care. Kevin W. Dahill President/CEO

3 2012 Nurse of Excellence Award Order of Program WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Kevin W. Dahill President/Chief Executive Officer, Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council GREETINGS FROM THE NASSAU-SUFFOLK HOSPITAL COUNCIL Douglas Melzer Chairman of the Board, Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council & Chief Executive Officer, Long Beach Medical Center INTRODUCTION OF NURSE OF EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Patricia Darcey, MS, RN-BC-NE Chairperson, Nurse Executive Committee & Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Care Services, Southampton Hospital ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ALL NURSE OF EXCELLENCE NOMINEES Gara Edelstein, RN, MSN Chairperson, Nurse of Excellence Sub-Committee & Vice President of Administration & Chief Nursing Officer, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center REMARKS BY THE HONOREE Anuli A. Erike, BSN, RN Nassau University Medical Center PRESENTATION OF THE TEAPOT Lisa M. Quinones, RNC, MS, OGNP, ANP, ICCE Professor of Nursing, Suffolk County Community College CLOSING REMARKS Gara Edelstein, RN, MSN Chairperson, Nurse of Excellence Sub-Committee Vice President of Administration & Chief Nursing Officer, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center

4 2012 Nurse of Excellence Award Nurse Executives Committee The Nurse Executives Committee is comprised of the chief nursing officers from all member hospitals and deans and directors of schools of nursing Kathleen Baker, RN Principal - Health Careers Western Suffolk BOCES Jennifer Bryer, PhD, RN, CNE Chairperson, Dept. of Nursing Farmingdale State College Kathleen Burger, RN, MSEd, MSN, CNE Academic Chairperson Suffolk County Community College Ann Cella, MA, MEd, RN, NEA-BC Sr. VP Patient Care Services & CNO St. Francis Hospital The Heart Center Rosie Chatman, RN, MA Associate Director for Patient/Nursing Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center Patrick R. Coonan, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE Dean & Professor Adelphi University Patricia Darcey, RN, MS, BC-NE VP Patient Care Services & CNO Southampton Hospital Susan Dewey-Hammer, MN, APRN College Wide Nursing Coordinator Suffolk County Community College Faye Duda, RN, MPS, CNA Chief Nursing Officer Long Beach Medical Center Gara Edelstein, RN, MSN VP Administration & CNO St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center Nicolette Fiore-Lopez, RN, MA, CNEP Chief Nursing Officer St. Charles Hospital Pat Hogan, RN, MA, NEA-BC Sr. Vice President & CNO Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center Catherine Hottendorf, RN Associate Executive Director, Patient Care Services Southside Hospital Minna Kapp, EdD, MBA, RN Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director C. W. Post of L. I. University Susan Knoepffler, RN, MPA, NE-BC VP Nursing & CNO Huntington Hospital Susan Kwiatek, RN, BSN, MBA, NE-BC Associate Executive Director, Patient Care Services Glen Cove Hospital Kathy Mann-Finnerty, MA, MBA, RN Chief Nursing Officer No. Shore University Hospital at Manhasset Renee Mauriello, RN, MSN VP for Patient Care Services & CNO Mercy Medical Center Kim Mendez, EdD, ANP-C, RN Vice President & CNO Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center Margaret Minnick, RN, MSN VP Patient Care Services & CNO St. Joseph Hospital Jeannine D. Muldoon, PhD, RN Dean & Professor, Division of Nursing Molloy College Marie Mulligan, RN, MS Vice President for Nursing J. T. Mather Memorial Hospital Susan Neville, PhD, RN Chairperson & Associate Professor Dept. of Nursing New York Institute of Technology Sue Penque, PhD, RN Sr. VP Patient Care Services & CNO So. Nassau Communities Hospital Patricia Pispisa VP Patient Care Services Eastern Long Island Hospital Barbara Popkin, RN, MA Associate Executive Director, Patient Care Services Franklin Hospital Medical Center Carol Powell, RN Program Administrator Eastern Suffolk BOCES Thomas B. Rich, D.Min., RN, NP Professor & Chairperson Nassau Community College Barbara Sands, PhD, RN Professor & Director, Dept of Nursing St. Joseph s College Kathy Skarka, MSN, RN, CNA Sr. VP & CNO Nassau University Medical Center Arleen J. Steckel, PhD, RN, CPNP Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Professor Chair, Parent Child Health Stony Brook University School of Nursing Mary Stedman, MS, RN, ANP, CNE Professor /Associate Chairperson Farmingdale State University Valerie Terzano, RN, MS, CNAA VP Nursing & CNO Winthrop University Hospital Marianna Vazquez, RN, MS, NE-BC Associate Executive Director, Patient Care Services Plainview & Syosset Hospitals Maureen White, RN, MBA, NEA-BC Sr. Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive No. Shore LIJ Health System Lee Anne Xippolitos, RN, PhD Chief Nursing Officer, Stony Brook University Medical Center Dean, School of Nursing Stony Brook University School of Nursing Gerald Zunno, RN, MSN VP Patient Care Services Peconic Bay Medical Center

5 2012 Nurse of Excellence Award Nurse Executives Subcommittee Gara Edelstein, Chairperson VP Administration & CNO St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center Patricia Darcey VP Patient Care Services & CNO Southampton Hospital Faye Duda Chief Nursing Officer Long Beach Medical Center Kim Mendez VP, Chief Nurse Executive Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center Amy Pakes Nurse Manager Nassau University Medical Center Valerie Terzano VP Nursing & CNO Winthrop University Hospital Lisa Quinones Professor of Nursing Suffolk County Community College 2011 Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council Nurse of Excellence Nurse Executives Selection Criteria Outstanding contributions to the nursing profession and to the field of health care must be demonstrated based on the following criteria: Significant achievement within a particular area of nursing, including clinical practice, education, research, or administration. The provision of direct nursing services to assist patients and their families to function at optimum levels of health is one example within clinical practice. Demonstrates leadership and quality performance that provides a role model to colleagues. Assists other nurses in their development. Participation in activities that foster a positive public image of nursing as a profession. Note: All registered professional nurses employed at a Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council membership organization, or affiliated school of nursing, at any employment level or scope of responsibility, are eligible to be nominated for the award. Prior nominees are not eligible. Each hospital or nursing school member of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, Inc. is eligible to nominate one individual for the award. Each nominating entity has an internal selection process to facilitate making an appropriate nomination.

6 THE NASSAU SUFFOLK HOSPITAL COUNCIL Award For Nursing Excellence Is Presented To Anuli A. Erike, BSN, RN 2012 For achieving significant accomplishments in an area of practice, serving as a mentor and inspiration for staff, providing assistance to patients and families, and fostering a positive image of nursing.

7 2012 Nurse of Excellence Award 2012 Nurse of Excellence Honoree Anuli A. Erike, BSN, RN Anuli Erike demonstrates the highest ideals of nursing as enthusiastically outside of Nassau University Medical Center as she does at work. After completing a bachelor s degree in public health from SUNY Old Westbury, she went on to complete a BSN in nursing from Drexel University and begin her nursing career in a skilled nursing facility. During her program at SUNY, she also completed internships sponsored by the CDC and Morehouse College in Atlanta and with Merger Watch/ Raising Women s Voices in New York. She joined NUMC in 2010 as a staff nurse on the orthopedic/bariatric unit. Anuli was instrumental in the unit s designation as a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Because of her experience caring for patients in that unit and in her own family, Anuli became passionate about preventing diabetes and lowering its prevalence, particularly among adolescents. She discovered that the rate of Type 2 diabetes in her own community, Freeport, far exceeds the state and national averages. With a partner, she founded the Get A.H.E.A.D. (Active Healthy Education Awareness Disease Prevention) initiative targeted at adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 25. Through innovative nutrition and lifestyle education, she seeks to empower youth and instill in them the tools needed to fight this silent epidemic. Working with the mayor of Freeport, she has developed public service health segments that air on local television, among other efforts. Anuli recently took the Get A.H.E.A.D. program global, self-funding a two-week trip to Nigeria, where she worked as a volunteer in a hospital. She performed blood glucose screening, educated the patients and visitors about diabetes, participated in daily rounds, and hosted an outreach event for the community she visited. She donated home blood sugar testing kits to the attendees and supplies to the hospital. Anuli s own words best describe why she is the 2012 Nurse of Excellence Award winner: I realized that giving back was something that I never want to stop doing. Her dedication and selflessness embodies the very best of nursing, and she is a great role model for young professionals in this field. We are proud to honor her.

8 2012 Nurse of Excellence Nominees BROOKHAVEN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER Marie O Brian, RN, BSN, CCRN Critical Care Educator II Marie has worked at Brookhaven for almost two years in her role as critical care nurse educator. Her goal is to impart knowledge and instill a hunger for professional development in nurses. She uses continuing education as a bridge to excellence. Marie developed an Introduction to Critical Care program which is certified by the American Association for Critical Care Nurses and earns each participant 55 CNEs. This program allows Brookhaven to internally train and transition medical/ surgical nursing staff to critical care positions; the course also is a source of revenue for the Department of Nursing Professional Development, as other institutions and independent nurses pay to take this course. To support her community, she volunteers and participates in community health fairs and educational outreach opportunities. As an American Heart Association health instructor, she works with her local school district as a program advisor for its High School Can Save Lives campaign. This program will train the student body in Hands Only CPR and encourage them to bring home the skills they learned to teach others. Marie is a multidimensional and humble individual. EASTERN LONG ISLAND HOSPITAL Eric C. Desbonnet, RN Nursing Supervisor Eric has worked in nursing for 22 years, including six as a night supervisor at Eastern Long Island. His nurse management responsibilities include emergency management of all acute patients and the staff who care for them, aiding distraught family members after a serious accident, and managing the conflict, liabilities, and agitation that are associated with ELIH s behavioral health patients. He manages the diverse community members and encounters inherent in a hospital environment with ease and respect. Eric has excellent clinical, people, and mechanical skills, combined with system assessment skills that maximize the fewest resources in the shortest amount of time. He brings a passion and commitment to excellence to this position that is unsurpassed. He is the epitome of competent, caring and efficient work in all he does, whether it be the never-ending documentation of processes, the quick, composed intervention in a life or death situation, or the calm way he intervenes with a bereaved family member or an agitated, angry patient. He has a drive to excel and sees his responsibilities through to completion. He strives tirelessly to be part of the solution and is willing to go the extra mile, time and time again. FRANKLIN HOSPITAL Catherine Nilsen, RN, MSN Director of Patient Care Services for Behavioral Health Catherine has been an RN for more than 40 years and has worked at Franklin for 29 years. She is the director of the behavioral health service line and oversees a 21- bed inpatient acute psychiatric unit. As the director of behavioral health, she has an expert knowledge base of OMH, DOH, and Joint Commission regulations, which transcends to best practice and care for the psychiatric patient. She is a resource for other members of the healthcare team and participates and facilitates crisis management programs. In addition to her role as director, she was appointed the site coordinator and has formed collaborative relationships on multiple levels within the health system. Catherine was personally responsible for the roll-out of multiple collaborative care councils at the hospital. In this collaborative role, she is a member of the steering committee for the EMR and communicates system changes via the councils. She initiated Franklin s first off-shift council and is a master trainer for TeamSTEPPS. One of her successes includes the implementation and adoption of an aggression scale for the inpatient psychiatric unit. Her love for the nursing profession and her interminable dedication to her staff, the unit, and the patients has made her an asset to the hospital.

9 Nominees (continued) GLEN COVE HOSPITAL Darlene M. Parmentier, MSN, MBA, CNML Nurse Manager Critical Care In her six years at Glen Cove, Darlene has embraced the concept of evidence-based practice and transformed her unit into one with a strong culture of patient safety. Working to zero out nosocomial infections of CLABs, VAPs, and MRSA, she relentlessly fostered the implementation of and compliance with evidence-based bundles that have saved many lives. Through her efforts, a CLABs rate of zero in the ICU has been sustained for more than four years, and the VAPs rate in the ICU had been sustained at zero for more than two years. Working with her colleagues, she also managed to spread flawless evidence-based practice to the medical and surgical floors to achieve CLAB and VAP rates of zero. Glen Cove s successes have been recognized by numerous healthcare organizations and are now being adopted. She is a true role model, a patient advocate, the epitome of the principles set forth by Florence Nightingale, and a hero in healthcare. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER Karen Anne Lange, MS, CMSRN, NE-BC Director of Medical Surgical Nursing Karen is a 38-year veteran at Good Samaritan. Her duties include oversight for seven medical surgical nursing units, including specializations in rthopedics/trauma, stroke, cardiac monitoring, radiation oncology, the breast health center, and bariatric services. Among her responsibilities are analysis of operating and capital budgets, staffing effectiveness, strategic planning, team building, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Good Samaritan needed hands to provide non-nursing functions and employees to maintain the support staff. With Karen s assistance, the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) role was developed to meet these needs. She collaborated with local high schools and colleges to find students interested in careers in healthcare, provided training, and hired the students as PCAs to assist with patient activities. When one patient care unit was in transition and there was a high turnover of nurse managers, she volunteered to manage that unit as well as her own. Her determination led to the successful transition of this unit into a cardiac-monitored unit, as well as transitioning her original unit into a telemetry unit. She was actively involved in the physical reconstruction and education of staff for both units. Karen is an outstanding example of leadership, professionalism and compassion. HUNTINGTON HOSPITAL Kara M. Theal, MA, RN-BC Director of Clinical Informatics Kara has worked at Huntington for 25 years, and is currently in the hospital information services department as a nursing informaticist. She functions as the coordinator and manager of the design, build, and implementation of all applications that support hospital-wide interdepartmental clinical practice. She has bezen instrumental in all new product selection and in-service education for nursing s computer needs. It is through her knowledge and commitment to the electronic medical record that nurses and physicians are transitioning so well from paper to electronics. She is a passionate advocate for nursing and works tirelessly to help nurses learn to use this valuable, necessary tool. Her passion and commitment to moving Huntington to an accountable care organization is evident in all she does. Kara is currently developing a curriculum for the Nursing Certification Review course to be offered to hospital employees who meet the criteria to sit for the exam. In her busy schedule, she manages to grocery shop for the elderly as part of her outreach for her homeowner s association. Her positive attitude and sense of humor is recognized and valued by staff and colleagues throughout the hospital.

10 Nominees (continued) JOHN T. MATHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Susan A. Morin, MS, RN, PMHCNS-BC, NPP NPP/Director Mather Adolescent and Eating Disorder Partial Hospitalization Program Susan has been an RN for 27 years. She is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a specialty in child and adolescent psychiatry. In her role as director, she provides both clinical and administrative leadership to two interdisciplinary teams. Her knowledge, expertise, and clinical skills provide a role model for excellence in clinical practice for both the adolescent psychiatry treatment team and the eating disorder treatment team. She provides thoughtful and sensitive guidance for many complex patient situations, always maintaining the patient s needs as the priority focus. As a teacher, counselor, resource person, surrogate, and leader, she provides clinical supervision while participating in treatment planning, crisis intervention, and discharge planning for the patients. She is part of the hospital s community outreach and education efforts, and has participated in health fairs to provide information about eating disorders. She demonstrates compassion and kindness in all of her interactions. LONG BEACH MEDICAL CENTER Marifel Paqueo, RN, MSN, CNOR, First Lieutenant US Army Staff RN Operating Room/Preceptor Marifel has worked at Long Beach for nine of her 21 years in nursing. She provides leadership and direction by precepting and mentoring nurses in the operating room. Marifel is an exemplary role model and strives to bring out the best in everyone with whom she comes in contact. She also is a member of the nurse practice committee at Long Beach. Her responsibilities are to review and revise policies and procedures to incorporate evidence-based practices and then educate nurses on the changes. She encourages her colleagues to join the nursing organization, AORN, and obtain certification in the OR. She also serves as clinical adjunct faculty at a local nursing school. She volunteers for the hospital s annual health fair and participates in many fundraising activities. Marifel is an army reservist and was recently commissioned as First Lieutenant in the Army Medical Department, working as an OR nurse. She has a passion for her profession, and a commitment to her patients, as well as a willingness to protect and serve her country. MERCY MEDICAL CENTER Linda Tupper, BSN, RN Nursing Administrative Supervisor Linda has worked at Mercy for 27 years, where she is responsible for coordinating all the nightly operational activities within the hospital. She has vision and innovative leadership skills, and is able to streamline and provide quality patient care using the available resources efficiently and effectively. Linda is a true professional, always willing to take charge, educate staff, patients and their families, and is capable of handling difficult and chaotic situations. She is responsive to the needs of patients, nursing and physician staff, she urges all staff to think through situations, and always promotes best practice for the care of the patients. Her strong ethical principles are demonstrated in her treatment of people by understanding their beliefs, needs, and cultural foundations. Linda makes great efforts in her role to be not only a model, but an educator to the staff. She strives to improve and challenge herself while always being professional. She works in collaboration with other disciplines to ensure quality patient care. She is an exceptional nursing administrative supervisor, a true nurse leader. MOLLOY COLLEGE Ann Marie M. Paraszczuk, EdD, RNC-NIC Assistant Professor Ann Marie s nursing career, spanning 36 years, has been dedicated to serving individuals in inpatient, outpatient and academic settings. The focus of her career has been primarily in the area of maternal-child health, beginning as a staff nurse and progressing to roles in management and education. She functions primarily in academia

11 Nominees (continued) where she successfully transfers her knowledge in her field to nursing students, fostering a successful transition to nursing practice. Ann Marie recently contributed to the revision and evaluation of the nursing curriculum. In this process she worked collaboratively to ensure a curriculum that would best prepare students for future practice. One of her major achievements is her research in the area of nursing education. A completed project on best practices for educating undergraduate nursing students for licensure was recently presented in several venues, both locally and internationally. She spends countless, dedicated hours with her students, ensuring a clear understanding of complex issues in health care delivery. She is actively involved in educating families and the community in various aspects of health and safety. She is a role model to faculty and students alike. NORTH SHORE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Sarah M. Siemers, ANP-BC Adult Nurse Practitioner, Patient Education Coordinator, Cardiac Services Sarah has more than 30 years of experience in critical care and nursing education, and as an adult nurse practitioner. As a cardiac patient education coordinator, she is directly responsible for the development of patient education materials, coordinating patient and family classes in the community and hospital setting. The focus of her work promotes patient and staff wellness, reduces stress, and facilitates the maintenance of heart-healthy lifestyles. In this role, she develops and ensures that all information received by patients and families, such as fact sheets and brochures, are congruent with the tenets of health literacy in both content and design. She has published in peer review journals and nursing publications. She collaborates with nurses at the bedside interested in developing health-literate educational materials for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Sarah coordinates programs in the community; specifically, she participates and plans support groups for the automated implantable cardiodefibrillator group and heart failure patients. She regularly teaches community members about heart facts, heart healthy diets, and wellness. Sarah s passion and spirit exemplifies all that is great in nursing. PECONIC BAY MEDICAL CENTER Ann P. Buckley, RN, MSN, ONC Clinical Nurse Manager Ann is a 27-year veteran of Peconic Bay Medical Center and is responsible for an 18-bed surgical unit, specializing in joint replacement and orthopedics. She and her staff work closely with physical therapy, case management and the medical/surgical staff to provide patientcentered care. With the help of Ann s leadership skills, The Joint Commission awarded Peconic Bay the Disease-Specific Certification in Hip and Knee Replacement. She has developed within the nursing staff a drive and desire to practice and deliver care based on the best evidence available. The nurses worked collaboratively with the medical team in developing and implementing orthopedic clinical pathways. Standardization was developed and deployed to improve care efficiency and outcomes. Under her leadership, all staff members have developed a true sense of ownership of the orthopedic program and their unit. Everyone shares in making the patient experience and clinical outcomes positive. Ann is a role model to her staff and to her colleagues in other management positions. PLAINVIEW HOSPITAL Kathleen Lanzo, RN Clinical Practice Coordinator Kathleen has worked at Plainview for 16 years and presently is the clinical practice coordinator for the periop departments. She moves between the PACU, pre-op, endoscopy and ASU, problem-solving and driving the schedule. She travels the medical surgical floors as well, assisting the staff with patient OR readiness. She works side by side with the staff, helping to improve efficiency. She is high functioning, emotionally intelligent, and has great problem-solving and communication skills. Kathleen is the point person for policies and is both educator and mentor for all the departments she serves.

12 Nominees (continued) She helped design and implement the communication tool used between the peri-op departments and the medical surgical floors. Kathleen spearheaded the periop performance improvement project for 2011 entitled Keeping Patients and Families Informed of Delays, a multi-departmental undertaking to improve the hospital s Press Ganey scores. Her customer service skills toward the patients and physicians are unmatched. She champions the staff, leads by example, is equitable and fair when dealing with the staff, and is a true role model. ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA MEDICAL CENTER Diane Curley, MSN, RN, CNOR, CBN Performance Improvement Coordinator/Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator Diane has been an RN for 25 years. She is currently the peri-operative improvement coordinator and bariatric surgery program coordinator. She developed and implemented a bariatric surgery program. Her responsibilities include supporting the staff, through education and continuous improvement initiatives, in its ability to provide safe, high-quality, cost-effective patient care. She was one of 73 individuals from 27 states chosen to participate in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Advisors Program. This initiative launched by the CMS will help health professionals deepen skills that will drive improvements to patient care and reduce costs. She is on the board of directors of Operation Hearts and Home, dedicated to improving the lives of orphans around the world. She recently returned from a 10-day humanitarian aid mission to Ethiopia where she distributed medical supplies and donations of clothing and supplies to two orphanages, in addition to educating the nurses on the treatment of lice, scabies, and fungal infections. Diane is a standout in her dedication to nursing. ST. CHARLES HOSPITAL Stacey Viteritti, RN-BC, MSN, ANP-BC Nurse Practitioner Pain Management Stacey, who specializes in pain management, has worked at St. Charles for 18 months. She functions as an independent clinician addressing the pain management of patients, as well as being part of a team that is responsible for the ongoing education of the nursing staff. She has become instrumental to staff in the education of patients with both acute and chronic pain and has initiated collaborations with both outpatient staff and the Department of Anesthesiology in order to improve communication to patients and their families. She developed a working relationship with the substance abuse staff to assist its patients and is involved in the creation of St. Charles electronic medical record. Through her work with the pain management physicians, the hospital has seen an increase in the volume of pain management procedures. In addition to her procedural responsibilities, she gladly participates in all aspects of pain management, making staff and patient education a priority. She volunteers for the Healthy Sundays Program where the underprivileged and underserved throughout Long Island are provided medical screenings and primary prevention. Stacey is always kind, caring and compassionate. ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL Lori V. Brush, MA, RN, CCRN Assistant Nurse Manager Lori has spent 26 years as a clinical nurse at St. Francis and eight years as assistant nurse manager in its medical intensive care unit. She is responsible for patient safety, patient flow-through, and personnel management on her assigned shift. This role requires a high degree of clinical expertise and effective management skills. As she completes daily patient care rounds, she collaborates with clinical nurses, mid-level practitioners and attending physicians to ensure standards of care are followed and an effective plan of care is modified based on the needs of each patient. She contributes to the profes-

13 Nominees (continued) sional development of others by providing coaching and timely feedback. She demonstrates calm control in times of crises; she is the anchor with the appropriate skills and demeanor to keep the team focused and moving forward. She is an enthusiastic supporter of new technology, most recently by assisting in the application of induced hypothermia in a variety of clinical situations. Since it is a time sensitive technology, and requires a high degree of effective communication and attention to detail, she collaborates with transferring institutions, the ED, and the catheterization lab to facilitate timely treatment. Lori is an ACLS and BLS instructor and volunteers at St. Francis sponsored classes, as well as with various organizations in the community. She is a role model and sets a standard for others to follow. ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL Catalina Baldia, MS, RN, CCRN Director, Nursing Education A 25-year veteran of the nursing profession, Catalina has served as the director of nursing education at St. Joseph for six years. She ensures the clinical training and education of the nursing and healthcare staff. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the clinical competencies of the nursing staff. Catalina has developed many classes for the staff that reflect the needs of the nurses and the patients they care for. The impact she has had on the nursing department is immeasurable and was a key to the exceptional results of St. Joseph s 2011 Joint Commission Survey. To help students who have the desire to succeed and excel in the profession of nursing, Catalina spends much of her free time mentoring nurses who are enrolled in advanced degree programs. She is an adjunct professor at a community college and collaborates with the academic community in coordinating clinical placement for nursing students through the Nassau-Suffolk Educators Council. She is active in her parish church as well as in fundraising activities in her community. Her passion for excellence, knowledge, and continuing education has made her an indispensible member of the St. Joseph Hospital team. SOUTH NASSAU COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL Lynn M. Bert, RN, BSN Nurse Manager of Pediatrics Lynn has been an RN for more than 28 years, including 10 years at South Nassau. She has a solid reputation for caring, compassion, and action as the nurse manager of the pediatric unit. She is never too busy to listen, especially to the smallest and most vulnerable patients. Her clinical expertise, combined with solid leadership, is invaluable. Her calm and caring demeanor provides genuine reassurance to patients, parents and colleagues, whether facing routine or the most challenging situations. She promotes self-governance for her pediatric staff and encourages participation in multi-disciplinary committees and in organizational decision-making. Lynn ensures a uniform standard of care is set for pediatric patients in all settings. She co-teaches a monthly pediatric update class not only for the pediatric staff, but also for RNs who care for children in other clinical settings such as the ER, OR and post-anesthesia care unit. An advocate of pediatric patient safety, she works with her staff and managers from other units in the hospital to implement safety strategies. She coordinates training for the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) program, participates in health fairs, and contributes to many community activities. Lynn demonstrates an indomitable spirit, innovation, enthusiasm and unconditional commitment. SOUTHAMPTON HOSPITAL Judy O Connell, RN, CS, FNP, MSN, CDE Certified Diabetic Educator and Nursing Administrator Supervisor (Posthumous) Judy was an accomplished facilitator and communicator with outstanding teaching and community outreach skills. She always placed patients and their families at the center of care. Her major area of interest was patient education, particularly on diabetes, wellness, and health promotion. It was her drive that led her to develop a program titled Diabetes: Basics and Beyond, which in 2007 gained recognition from the American Diabetes

14 Nominees (continued) Association. The success of her program went on to receive re-certification in 2011 and she became a resource person for the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetic Educators. She appeared on local television to promote her diabetes education program, in addition to participating in community health fairs and outreach efforts. As part of her program, she ran a diabetes support group, measuring compliance with patient outcome. Judy was also the nurse practitioner at a local medical practice and nursing home, as well as the nurse practitioner at a local community health clinic, serving needy families. She was widely recognized by her colleagues as a leader and a mentor. An RN for more than 40 years, 31 of them at Southampton Hospital, Judy suddenly and recently passed away from a brain aneurysm. Her death left a void at Southampton which the nursing staff is trying to fill with memories of her beautiful smile, generous spirit, and warm, calming nature. SOUTHSIDE HOSPITAL Myrna De La Rosa, RN, BSN, CMT Assistant Director of Nursing Myrna has been an RN for 19 years, including four years at Southside working the evening shift. She manages the staffing on the floor and is pivotal in solving patient concerns. She was instrumental in initiating the education and competency necessary to create a step-down unit with monitoring skills. Her theme was the presence of nursing and, along with her colleague, she successfully educated her staff and created a more cohesive unit fostering teamwork and support. Myrna is among the first on the scene for rapid responses and emergency codes, and is responsible for the quality of the clinical tasks of the hospital. She is a role model and respected by the staff. She also participates in community outreach at churches and community centers. She goes to numerous health fairs, conducting outreach to Spanishspeaking communities about the various programs that Southside offers. She volunteers each year to go on medical missions in developing countries. Myrna is a nurse who cares, who heals with touch and kindness, and who spreads her passion and compassion to the community she loves. SYOSSET HOSPITAL Angela Ventimiglia-Fraher, BSN RN-Staff Pain Management Angela has worked at Syosset for more than ten years. Her current position is in the Interventional Pain Center working with patients from 14 years of age through the geriatric population. She is enthusiastic and contributes significantly to the efficient process in pain management. She demonstrates dynamic leadership qualities and astute judgment, and provides guidance and positive direction to the nursing staff. Angela has the ability to effectively communicate changes to the plan of care to Syosset s patients and helps create an environment where individuals can share personal thoughts and problems that they face daily. She consistently does what is right for the patient and always treats others as one would like to be treated. She volunteered to chair the hospital s first collaborative care council. During her twoyear tenure, many positive outcomes were achieved. She has contributed to her community in a variety of ways, most notably through her participation in her church. She and her entire family go on missions abroad, donating their time and financial resources to help those in need. She is extremely kind and sensitive and an inspiration to her colleagues and family. STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER Maria C. Milazzo, RN, MS, PNP-C, MSCN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Maria has been an RN and pediatric nurse practitioner for almost 25 years and currently is the PNP in the neurology department. She has dual appointments as an instructor of clinical neurology at Stony Brook s School of Medicine and as a clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing. She also joined a community

15 Nominees (continued) pediatric practice as its first nurse practitioner. She precepts students in the clinical setting and mentors students of all levels, including high school, college, nursing, medical and allied health students. Maria helps them to identify areas of research interest, develop projects, complete them, and write up and disseminate results. She is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in her specialty of pediatric neurology. Maria speaks and participates at national and international conferences, presents papers, has co-authored reviewed publications and textbook chapters relating to pediatric neurology and multiple sclerosis. She founded a free adventure camp program for children and teenagers with a rare pediatric neurologic disorder. This camp has served as a model for the development of similar programs across the U.S. Maria is an exceptional nurse, nurse practitioner, educator, mentor, researcher and human being. VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER Cindy I. Kiely, MSN, RN, CWOCN Wound Care Program Coordinator/Nurse Manager Cindy has been a registered nurse for 15 years and an expert in the wound care field for the last ten years. She was hired by the Northport VA to restructure the wound care nurse role, but ultimately re-structured all aspects of patient care within multiple departments and disciplines. Cindy s enthusiasm for wound care expanded to long-term care and outpatient clinics. To ensure education was put into practice, wound staging and treatment laminated cards were created by Cindy and distributed to the nursing staff emphasizing treatment options that could be initiated by the nurse. A thorough educational program was presented to all RNs regarding evidencebased care, as well as the nurse s role in wound care treatment and prevention. She created the VA s Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Committee, the goals of which are to standardize and promote evidence-based skin care across the Northeast region s veterans system. She has published articles in the peer review journal for wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. Cindy is well-read, well-spoken and is an extremely knowledgeable individual with a passion for her specialty. She is easy to approach and staff routinely seeks her advice regarding clinical issues. WINTHROP UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Eileen P. Magri, MSN, RN, NE-BC Director of Nursing Eileen is an RN with 33 of years experience and currently serves as the director of nursing for maternal child health at Winthrop. She is a visionary leader who has the ability to creatively analyze and solve difficult healthcare problems. She mentors and inspires high performance and dedicated teamwork among the staff she manages. Eileen is an advocate for nursing at all levels, creating an environment of collaboration and mutual respect, and encourages direct care providers to take active roles in all initiatives. She has helped develop several evidence-based practice initiatives in the maternal child health department. In an effort to promote patient and family-centered care, she has been instrumental in transforming the care delivery model in the labor and delivery and the post-partum units. Under her leadership, Winthrop is a participant of the NYS Department of Health Breastfeeding Collaborative, and was selected to be one of twelve hospitals that implement strategies to improve statewide breast feeding exclusivity rates. She is a preceptor to many Master s level nursing students and continues to offer her expertise to several professional and advisory boards. Eileen is an inspirational leader, a true professional, and a role model for all.

16 2012 Nurse of Excellence Award Prior Recipients Nassau-Suffolk Nurse of Excellence Award sponsored by the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council 2011 Lisa Quinones, Suffolk County Community College 2010 Debra Giugliano, Stony Brook University Medical Center 2009 Eileen M. Roberto, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center 2008 Amy B. Pakes, Nassau University Medical Center 2007 Donna A. Tanzi, Huntington Hospital 2006 May-Lynn Andresen, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System 2005 Kathleen Perro, St. Francis Hospital 2004 Madeline Cozzi-Gottlieb, South Nassau Communities Hospital 2003 Virginia Reichert, North Shore University Manhasset 2002 Donna M. Johnson, Nassau University Medical Center 2001 Susan Hovani, J.T. Mather Memorial Hospital 2000 Kathleen Southerton, University Hospital at Stony Brook 1999 Kathleen Miller, Long Beach Medical Center 1998 Elizabeth Devine, J.T. Mather Memorial Hospital 1997 Alice Friedrich, North Shore University Hospital at Plainview 1996 Phyllis Parker, J.T. Mather Memorial Hospital Long Island Nominations to the New York State Nurse of Distinction Award Program Eleanor O Boyle J. T. Mather Memorial Sr. Rita Vanson Mercy Medical Center Rachel Lin (deceased) Komanoff Center for Geriatric & Rehab Medicine (NYS recipient) Dorothy Pessoli Veterans Affairs Medical Center Mildred O Connor Lutheran Center for the Aging Nancy Maehl Veterans Affairs Medical Center Darlene Paduano University Hospital at Stony Brook Carolyn Van Helden St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center

17 The Legend of the Teapot The teapot tradition began in the 1980s with the New York State Legislature s Nurse of Distinction Program. The first recipient of the Long Island Nurse of Distinction nomination spoke of the challenges that nurses and all of health care face, and will face, in the decades to come. In keeping with the message that day, it was recollected her comments included, most of us nurses are like teabags, we don t know our own strength until we get into hot water. The allegory resonated among those involved in the program and it eventually became a custom for a prior recipient of the Nurse of Excellence award to bestow a teapot upon the current honoree. The teapots remind our honored colleagues of their achievement and of their strengths. Like each of us, the teapots are seldom exactly alike. They celebrate the unique value that each Nurse of Excellence brings to those they serve. And, the teapot symbolizes and reminds us that hot water often brings out the best in us and in our profession.

18 NASSAU SUFFOLK HOSPITAL COUNCIL Representing the not-for-profit and public hospitals serving the residents of Long Island 1383 Veterans Memorial Highway Suite 26 Hauppauge, New York Phone (631) FAX (631) Douglas Melzer, Chairman of the Board Kevin W. Dahill, President/CEO Wendy D. Darwell, Vice President/COO